A bracket includes a bracket body, a threaded insert, and a fastener. The bracket body defines a first opening positioned to align with a second opening in a cylinder head. The threaded insert is positioned in the first opening. The threaded insert includes an exterior surface threadably engaged with the first opening, an inner surface defining an aperture, and an end face. rotation of the threaded insert in the first opening facilitates selective repositioning of the threaded insert in the first opening. The fastener is configured to be received in the aperture of the threaded insert. The aperture is configured to receive a tool for selective rotation of the threaded insert.
|
10. A system comprising:
a cylinder block;
a cylinder head coupled to the cylinder block, the cylinder head defining a first opening;
a bracket comprising an extension, the extension defining a second opening, the second opening aligned with the first opening; and
a first threaded insert received in the second opening, the first threaded insert defining a first aperture, the first aperture receiving a first fastener that extends from the second opening and is threadably engaged with the first opening;
wherein the first aperture selectively receives a tool; and
wherein rotation of the tool in the first aperture causes rotation of the first threaded insert in the second opening such that a first end face of the first threaded insert is selectively repositioned relative to the cylinder head.
6. A system for supporting an alternator on a cylinder head and a cylinder block, the system comprising:
a bracket configured to receive and support at least one alternator, the bracket comprising an extension defining a first opening, a threaded insert in the first opening, and a fastener in the threaded insert, the threaded insert including an exterior surface threadably engaged with the first opening and an inner surface defining an aperture, the fastener positioned in the aperture;
wherein the first opening in the bracket is defined to align with a second opening in the cylinder head;
wherein the aperture defines a tool interface, and rotation of the threaded insert by force exerted in the tool interface causes rotation of the threaded insert in the first opening such that an end face of the threaded insert selectively moves relative to the cylinder head; and
wherein the bracket is further configured for attachment to the cylinder block.
16. A system for providing support from a first component and a second component, the system comprising:
a bracket comprising an extension defining a first opening, a threaded insert in the first opening, and a fastener in the threaded insert, the threaded insert including an exterior surface threadably engaged with the first opening and an inner surface defining an aperture, the fastener positioned in the aperture;
wherein the first opening in the bracket is defined to align with a second opening in the first component;
wherein the fastener threadably engages with the second opening;
wherein the aperture defines a tool interface, and rotation of the threaded insert by force exerted in the tool interface causes rotation of the threaded insert in the first opening such that an end face of the threaded insert selectively moves relative to the first component; and
wherein the bracket is further configured for attachment to the second component such that the bracket is fixed to, and supported by, the second component.
1. A bracket, comprising:
a bracket body defining a first opening positioned to align with a second opening in a cylinder head, the bracket body comprising a first flange located in the first opening, the first flange defining a first aperture;
a threaded insert received in the first opening between the cylinder head and the first flange, the threaded insert comprising:
an exterior surface threadably engaged with the first opening;
an inner surface defining a second aperture; and
an end face;
wherein rotation of the threaded insert in the first opening facilitates selective repositioning of the threaded insert in the first opening; and
a fastener configured to be received in the first aperture and the second aperture, the fastener configured to threadably engage with the second opening, the fastener comprising a second flange configured to interface with the first flange when the fastener is threaded into the second opening;
wherein the second aperture is configured to receive a tool for selective rotation of the threaded insert.
19. A bracket, comprising:
a bracket body defining a first opening positioned to align with a second opening in a cylinder head, the first opening configured to threadably engage with a fastener, the bracket body comprising a first flange located in the first opening, the first flange defining a first aperture configured to receive the fastener and configured to interface with a flange of the fastener when the fastener is threaded into the second opening; and
a threaded insert configured to be received in the first opening between the cylinder head and the first flange when the bracket is installed, the threaded insert comprising:
an exterior surface threadably engaged with the first opening;
an inner surface defining a second aperture configured to receive the fastener; and
an end face;
wherein rotation of the threaded insert in the first opening facilitates selective repositioning of the threaded insert in the first opening; and
wherein the second aperture is configured to receive a tool for selective rotation of the threaded insert.
2. The bracket of
wherein the bracket is supported by the second component through the attachment to the second component.
3. The bracket of
4. The bracket of
wherein the first opening is located in the extension.
5. The bracket of
7. The system of
wherein the threaded insert is configured to be located in the first opening between the cylinder head and the first flange.
8. The system of
9. The system of
11. The system of
wherein the first threaded insert is positioned between the cylinder head and the first flange.
12. The system of
13. The system of
14. The system of
wherein the cylinder head defines a third opening;
wherein the extension defines a fourth opening aligned with the third opening;
wherein the second threaded insert is received in the fourth opening; and
wherein the second fastener extends from the fourth opening and is threadably engaged with the third opening.
15. The system of
wherein rotation of the tool in the second aperture causes rotation of the second threaded insert in the fourth opening such that a second end face of the second threaded insert is selectively repositioned relative to the cylinder head independent of rotation of the first threaded insert.
17. The system of
wherein the fastener comprises a second flange; and
wherein the second flange interfaces with the first flange.
18. The system of
20. The bracket of
|
The present application is the U.S. national phase of PCT Application No. PCT/US2017/063368, filed Nov. 28, 2017, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/429,378, entitled “Mounting Bracket” and filed Dec. 2, 2016 and the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
The present disclosure relates to the field of brackets for mounting components, for example for use in mounting components on internal combustion engines or the like.
Challenges faced in mounting a bracket (e.g., support, etc.) to two separate components include overcoming a gap between the bracket and at least one of the components that exists because of a tolerance stack-up. This gap can result in increased stresses in fasteners that hold the bracket to the components. Traditionally, this gap exists when a bracket is mounted to two separate components.
Brackets may be used to mount components, such as alternators, to an internal combustion engine. Challenges faced in mounting an alternator to an internal combustion engine, for example, include providing proper support to the alternator and associated components (e.g., tensioners, pulleys, etc.). Traditionally, alternators are mounted only to a cylinder block. However, as alternators have become heavier (e.g., dual alternator applications, etc.), a need exists to mount the alternator to the cylinder block and to a cylinder head separate from the cylinder block. Because the alternator is mounted to two separate components, a gap traditionally exists due to a tolerance stack-up.
In an embodiment, a bracket includes a bracket body, a threaded insert, and a fastener. The bracket body defines a first opening positioned to align with a second opening in a cylinder head. The threaded insert is positioned in the first opening. The threaded insert includes an exterior surface threadably engaged with the first opening, an inner surface defining an aperture, and an end face. Rotation of the threaded insert in the first opening facilitates selective repositioning of the threaded insert in the first opening. The fastener is configured to be received in the aperture of the threaded insert. The aperture is configured to receive a tool for selective rotation of the threaded insert.
In an embodiment, a bracket includes a bracket body, a threaded insert, and a fastener. The bracket body defines a first opening positioned to align with a second opening in a component. The threaded insert is positioned in the first opening. The threaded insert includes an exterior surface threadably engaged with the first opening, an inner surface defining an aperture, and an end face. Rotation of the threaded insert in the first opening facilitates selective repositioning of the threaded insert in the first opening. The aperture is configured to receive a tool for selective rotation of the threaded insert.
In an embodiment, a system for supporting an alternator on a cylinder head and a cylinder block, the system includes a bracket. The bracket is configured to receive and support at least one alternator. The bracket comprises an extension defining a first opening, a threaded insert in the first opening, and a fastener in the threaded insert. The threaded insert includes an exterior surface threadably engaged with the first opening and an inner surface defining an aperture. The fastener is positioned in the aperture. The first opening in the bracket is defined to align with a second opening in the cylinder head. The aperture defines a tool interface, and rotation of the threaded insert by force exerted in the tool interface causes rotation of the threaded insert in the first opening such that an end face of the threaded insert selectively moves relative to the cylinder head. The bracket is further configured for attachment to the cylinder block.
In another embodiment, a system includes a cylinder block, a cylinder head, a bracket, and a first threaded insert. The cylinder head is coupled to the cylinder block, the cylinder head defining a first opening. The bracket comprises an extension, the extension defining a second opening, the second opening aligned with the first opening. The first threaded insert is received in the second opening, the first threaded insert defining a first aperture, the first aperture receiving a first fastener that extends from the second opening and is threadably engaged with the first opening. The first aperture selectively receives a tool. Rotation of the tool in the first aperture causes rotation of the first threaded insert in the second opening such that a first end face of the first threaded insert is selectively repositioned relative to the cylinder head.
In another embodiment, a system for providing support from a first component and a second component, the system includes a bracket. The bracket includes an extension defining a first opening, a threaded insert in the first opening, and a fastener in the threaded insert. The threaded insert includes an exterior surface threadably engaged with the first opening and an inner surface defining an aperture. The fastener is positioned in the aperture. The first opening in the bracket is defined to align with a second opening in the first component. The fastener threadably engages with the second opening. The aperture defines a tool interface, and rotation of the threaded insert by force exerted in the tool interface causes rotation of the threaded insert in the first opening such that an end face of the threaded insert selectively moves relative to the first component. The bracket is further configured for attachment to the second component such that the bracket is fixed to, and supported by, the second component.
In another embodiment, a bracket includes a bracket body and a threaded insert. The bracket body defines a first opening that is positioned to align with a second opening in a cylinder head. The first opening is configured to threadably engage with a fastener. The bracket body includes a first flange located in the first opening. The first flange defines a first aperture that is configured to receive the fastener and that is configured to interface with a flange of the fastener when the fastener is threaded into the second opening. The threaded insert is configured to be received in the first opening between the cylinder head and the first flange when the bracket is installed. The threaded insert includes an exterior surface, an inner surface, and an end face. The exterior surface is threadably engaged with the first opening. The inner surface defines a second aperture that is configured to receive the fastener. Rotation of the threaded insert in the first opening facilitates selective repositioning of the threaded insert in the first opening. The second aperture is configured to receive a tool for selective rotation of the threaded insert.
The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the disclosure will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.
It will be recognized that the figures are representations for purposes of illustration. The figures are provided for the purpose of illustrating one or more implementations with the explicit understanding that they will not be used to limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.
In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part thereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be used, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented here. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and made part of this disclosure.
In embodiments of the present disclosure, a bracket is provided. According to various embodiments, the bracket is provided for mounting an alternator to an internal combustion engine. However, the bracket may be implemented for supporting various mounted components (i.e., components mounted to the bracket), and for positioning the various mounted components with respect to two separate components. In some implementations, the bracket may be implemented for supporting various mounted components on any combination of a cylinder block, a cylinder head, a gear housing, and an accessory drive. However, it is understood that the bracket may be mounted to other similar components. For example, the bracket may support an alternator and position the alternator with respect to a cylinder head and a cylinder block of an internal combustion engine.
When a component is mounted, one or more gaps may exist between a bracket and components to which the bracket is attached (e.g., gaps between a bracket and a cylinder block or a cylinder head, gaps between a gear housing and a cylinder block, gaps between a gear housing and a cylinder head, gaps between an accessory drive and a cylinder block, etc.). A size and shape of the gap or gaps may vary for different bracket and component combinations (e.g., for different cylinder heads, for different cylinder blocks, for different gear housings, for different accessory drives, etc.). The gap(s) can allow the bracket to move with respect to the components it is attached to. For example, the bracket may move with respect to a cylinder block or a cylinder head. This movement can cause stress and resultant damage to the bracket. In some cases, this movement can cause impact of portions of the bracket against the components it is mounted to, which can also result in damage. The gap(s) cause increased stresses on fasteners that attach the bracket to the components, thus increasing the likelihood that these fasteners will fail.
In embodiments of the present disclosure, to reduce movement of the bracket, threaded inserts and spacers are used to better position and secure the bracket to the components it is mounted to. Further, the threaded inserts are selectively repositionable within corresponding holes or openings (e.g., apertures, etc.) to accommodate various combinations of the bracket and the components it is mounted to.
The bracket may be implemented in, for example, a diesel engine, a gasoline engine, a natural gas engine, a propane engine, a forced induction engine, a naturally aspirated engine, or any other internal combustion engine. In some embodiments, the bracket is implemented in a vehicular system (e.g., an automobile, a truck, a commercial vehicle, an emergency vehicle, or a construction vehicle); however, the concepts of the present disclosure are not limited to implementation in a vehicular system.
In
The bracket 100 as illustrated is structured to be coupled to two alternators; however, the concepts of the present disclosure are not so limited. Each alternator may interface with a belt to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. This electrical energy may be provided to various electrical systems. In addition to an alternator, the bracket 100 may also support additional components, such as a primary belt tensioner, a secondary belt tensioner, and a belt pulley.
As shown in
According to various embodiments, the bracket 100 is structured to be coupled to both a cylinder block and a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine (e.g., as discussed below with respect to
The bracket 100 includes a flange 110. The flange 110 includes a set of fourth openings or holes 112 which are structured to interface with fasteners 111 (
The bracket 100 also includes a set of fifth openings or holes 114 which are structured to interface with fasteners 116 (e.g., cap screws) and threaded inserts 118 (e.g., set screws) to couple the bracket 100 to a mounting component such as a cylinder head, a gear housing, or an accessory drive. The fifth holes 114 are structured to be threaded and are structured to receive the threaded inserts 118 via a threaded interface (e.g., an M24 interface).
In some implementations, the bracket 100 includes one or more access channels 306 facilitating access to corresponding fasteners 109. A head of a fastener 109 is accessible through a corresponding access channel 306. Each access channel 306 is aligned with one of the third holes 108. The access channel 306 facilitates rotation of the fastener 109 through the use of a tool (e.g., hex key, Allen wrench, driver, socket, etc.).
As shown in
As seen in
By rotating the threaded insert 118, the end face 614 may be selectively repositioned such that it is in contact with the cylinder head 600. In this way, the threaded insert 118 serves as an adjustable extension of the bracket 100. Due to the configuration of the fifth holes 114 and the threaded inserts 118, adjustment of the threaded inserts 118 can be performed by inserting an adjustment tool through the fifth holes 114 and the access channel 304 and causing a rotation of the threaded inserts 118 using the adjustment tool.
In various implementations, the fasteners 116 are partially threaded. In some implementations, the fasteners 116 are cap screws with an unthreaded portion having a first diameter and a threaded portion having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter. When the fastener 116 is inserted through the threaded insert 118 and into the cylinder block 602, the inner surface 610 of the threaded insert 118 may contact the unthreaded portion of the fastener 116.
An additional gap may exist between the flange 110 and the cylinder block 602. This gap may also cause undesirable stresses in the bracket 100. The spacers 113 (
While the present disclosure contains specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular implementations. Certain features described in this specification in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.
It should be noted that references to “front,” “rear,” “upper,” “top,” “bottom,” “base,” “lower,” and the like in this description are used to identify the various components as they are oriented in the figures. These terms are not meant to limit the component which they describe, as the various components may be oriented differently in different embodiments.
Further, for purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or moveable in nature and/or such joining may allow for the flow of fluids, electricity, electrical signals, or other types of signals or communication between the two members. Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature.
It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the system shown in the various example implementations are illustrative and not restrictive in character. All changes and modifications that come within the spirit and/or scope of the described implementations are desired to be protected. It should be understood that some features may not be necessary and implementations lacking the various features may be contemplated as within the scope of the application, the scope being defined by the claims that follow. When the language “at least a portion” and/or “a portion” is used the item can include a portion and/or the entire item unless specifically stated to the contrary.
Howard, Kenneth L., Koyyada, Mahesh Kumar
Patent | Priority | Assignee | Title |
D965425, | Jan 10 2022 | Diesel head bracket |
Patent | Priority | Assignee | Title |
3022778, | |||
3778957, | |||
4662807, | Feb 13 1985 | Adjustable fastener for joining of two structural elements | |
6308476, | Aug 25 1998 | Kabushiki Kaisha Juken Sangyo | Adjustable frame |
6324744, | May 03 2000 | FCA US LLC | Method of mounting and axially aligning an engine accessory |
6357953, | Dec 16 1999 | GM Global Technology Operations, Inc | Tolerance compensation apparatus |
6776566, | Oct 18 2001 | Bollhoff GmbH | Assembly for automatically compensating variations in the spacing between two structural members |
7119466, | Sep 07 2004 | Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha | On-vehicle generator mounting device |
7588386, | Aug 30 2006 | Silicon Valley Automation | Leveling and aligning device |
20090025320, | |||
20090159038, | |||
20150251536, | |||
DE4228625, | |||
FR2902706, | |||
IN1122MUM2013, | |||
IN1161MUM2013, | |||
JP2003049706, | |||
JP4314924, |
Executed on | Assignor | Assignee | Conveyance | Frame | Reel | Doc |
Nov 28 2017 | Cummins Inc. | (assignment on the face of the patent) | / | |||
Nov 30 2017 | HOWARD, KENNETH L | Cummins Inc | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 050132 | /0656 | |
Dec 01 2017 | KOYYADA, MAHESH KUMAR | Cummins Inc | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 050132 | /0656 |
Date | Maintenance Fee Events |
May 09 2019 | BIG: Entity status set to Undiscounted (note the period is included in the code). |
Dec 18 2023 | M1551: Payment of Maintenance Fee, 4th Year, Large Entity. |
Date | Maintenance Schedule |
Jun 16 2023 | 4 years fee payment window open |
Dec 16 2023 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
Jun 16 2024 | patent expiry (for year 4) |
Jun 16 2026 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 4) |
Jun 16 2027 | 8 years fee payment window open |
Dec 16 2027 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
Jun 16 2028 | patent expiry (for year 8) |
Jun 16 2030 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 8) |
Jun 16 2031 | 12 years fee payment window open |
Dec 16 2031 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
Jun 16 2032 | patent expiry (for year 12) |
Jun 16 2034 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 12) |